Riga to flush main water pipeline for three days, causing possible disruptions
From 20 to 23 October, Riga's main water pipeline will be flushed from the Langstiņi turn-off to the Zaķumuiža water treatment plant. Some districts may see cloudy water and brief supply interruptions.
A section of Riga's main water pipeline will be flushed this week, running from the turn-off to Langstiņi to the Zaķumuiža water treatment plant. The municipally owned utility SIA Rīgas ūdens, which supplies water in the capital, told the news agency LETA that the work is scheduled for three days, from 8:00 on Tuesday, 20 October, to 8:00 on Friday, 23 October.
During the flushing, water may turn cloudy in Jugla, Teika and Čiekurkalns. Some buildings should also expect short interruptions to their water supply, for example in "Indas", Maksteniekos and Zaķumuiža 1 and 2.
Why it is done
The company says the purpose of preventive flushing is to keep drinking water quality consistently high and ensure stable supply by preventing sediment from building up in the system. Higher water flow speed and air push accumulated deposits, such as iron and mineral particles, out of the pipes. This helps reduce cloudiness and improve the water's colour and taste.
If the required quality is reached sooner, the work will be completed ahead of schedule. Afterwards, water in the affected areas may be saturated with air and look white, but it is safe to use and not harmful to health.
Plan and company data
This year Rīgas ūdens planned to flush 360 kilometres of pipeline. That target has already been met, but the weather currently allows the work to continue.
Based on a study carried out with Riga Technical University, the company has drawn up a long-term flushing plan for its nearly 1,550-kilometre network. It provides for flushing main and distribution pipelines at least once every five years.
Besides Riga, Rīgas ūdens provides water supply in several areas around the capital: the Ādaži, Ropaži, Mārupe and Ķekava municipalities. It also handles wastewater collection and treatment. The company is wholly owned by the Riga municipality. Last year its turnover was 80.321 million euros, 5.2% more than in 2022, and it made a profit of 590,519 euros.
